Self-powered sled



Jan.3,1967 L.H.PLANK SELF-POWERED SLED 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 19,1964 Jan. 3, 1967 H. PLANK SELF-POWERED SLED 5 Sheets-Sheet Filed Feb.19, 1964 INVENTOR LZZHZVZ fiffi mr BY w l ATTORNEYQJ Jan. 3, 1967 L. H.PLANK 3,295,619

SELF-POWERED SLED Filed Feb. 19, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEYS UnitedStates Patent Filed Feb. 19, 1964, Ser. No. 345,919 13 Claims. (Cl.180-6) The present invention relates to new and useful improvements inself-powered sleds and has as its primary object the provision of aself-powered vehicle which contains certain novel features ofconstruction, whereby the machine may be directed and propelled rapidlyover the surface being traversed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-poweredsled wherein steering, supporting and propelling devices may be readilyapplied to a manufactured or a complete, new unit.

Another specific object of the present invention is to provide abridging structure, detachably securing the surface supporting runnersto the vehicle body, in combination with a tensioning means forcorrecting inadvertent longitudinal misalignment of the runners.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a resilientlymounted steering medium selectively movable toward or away from thetraversed surface and controlled from within the drivers compartment ofthe vehicle body, in combination with rotors having radially extendingtines mounted on steering knuckles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a propellingdevice movable arcuately toward or away from the surface, and having itsmotor and controls disposed within the vehicle body in combination withrotors comprising radially extending tines so spaced as to present thepropelling device to the surface traversed in an even and efficientmanner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a braking devicemounted on and moving arcuately with the propelling device incombination with an air compressor and a remote controlled valve foractuating the braking device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide asupplemental motor mounted within the vehicle body imparting power topropelling device and air compressor.

With the foregoing general objects outlined and with further objects inview, which will be apparent as the nature of the invention is betterunderstood, the present invention resides in the combination andarrangement of parts in the details of construction hereinafterdescribed and claimed, it being understood that changes in the preciseembodiment of the invention herein disclosed can be made within thescope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

The invention has been illustrated in its preferred embodiment in theaccompanying drawings wherein like reference characters denote likeparts in all of the views.

Referring to the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of my improved selfpowered sled with thepropelling and steering mechanisms in retracted position;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view with parts broken away illustrating thesupporting, propelling and steering means beneath the sled body;

FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal side elevation of my sled with parts brokenaway for clarity;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary perspective of the propelling device and meansfor controlling it;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged detailed section taken on line 55 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of one of the runners constructed inaccordance with my invention and the means for attaching it beneath thesled body; and

Ice

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 77 ofFIGURE 6.

In the accompanying drawings numeral 10 denotes the body of my sledwhich may be of new construction or a converted vehicle having the usualsteering apparatus. The vehicle body 10 has within its confines fourcompartments: a hooded area 11, a driving compartment 12, a passengercompartment 14 and a motor compartment 16 adjacent its rear end.Detachably secured beneath the vehicle body It) are a pair oflongitudinally disposed surface supporting runners designated generallyas at 18. Each of the runners 18 are separable intermediate theirrespective ends as at 22, thereby providing short half runners 24 and 26which when removed may be trans ported within the storage area 14. Eachof the half runners 24 and 26 has an upwardly curving tip or extremity28, a horizontal surface engaging portion 32, and a beveled end 34. Thebeveled ends 34 are adapted to mate with one another when the runnerportions 24 and 26 are secured in longitudinal alignment beneath thevehicle body 10.

The vehicle may be of conventional type with the usual motor (not shown)in the hooded compartment 11. On the other hand, compartment 11 may bedevoid of a motor and the space may be used for storing the runners 18and suitcases or the like, as desired.

An adjustable bridging structure designated generally at 36 ispositioned to detachably support the vehicle body 10 upon surfacesupporting runners 18. The bridging structure 36 comprises a pluralityof spaced vertical hollow uprights 38 preferably of square crosssection. Afixed to the lower end, and on opposite sides of the uprights38 are a pair of channel shaped braces 42. The upper legs of the channelbraces 42 are permanently secured to the uprights 38 by welding or thelike while their lower legs are provided with a threaded aperture 44 toreceive machine screws 46 passing through the surface engaging portion32 of the runners 18. This, while presenting a rigid joint, provides asimple means for quick detachment of the runners 18 from the uprights'38.

Permanently secured within the confines of the upper end of each upright38 is a bearing block 48, having an upper end terminating in acylindrical stud 52, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described.Each curved tip 28 of the runners 18 has secured thereto a wing pad 54receiving one end of an angularly disposed tensioning turnbuckle 56, theother end of the turnbuckles 56 passing through one of a pair of wingpads 58 secured near the upper end of the next adjacent upright.Addition-al turnbuckles 62 extend downwardly at an angle and are securedto wing pads 64 alfixed to the channel members 42 of the next adjacentupright 38, each of the successive uprights 38 being individuallytensioned in their respective order. An adaptor plate indicatedgenerally at 66 is adapted to be permanently secured to and beneath thesled body, as by welding or the like. The adaptor plate 66 has spacedalong its length a plurality of apertures 68 positioned to receive thestud portion 52 of the bearing blocks 48 secured within the uprights 38.Each stud 52 has a rectangular slot 72 therein for accommodating awedge-shaped key 74 thereby detachably, yet rigidly securing thebridging structure 36 beneath the sled body 10. Key 74 in conjunctionwith slot 72 and stud 52 comprise a toggle joint. Composition washers 76are positioned upon studs 52 between the keys 74 and the adaptor plate66 to prevent movement of the keys 74 due to excessive vibration or thelike, thus presenting a flexible yet rigid supporting structure that iseasily knocked down for carrying Within the storage area 14 of thevehicle body 10.

A steering mechanism generally indicated at 80 is disposed within andextending beneath the body 10, and

comprising a floating axle 82 secured against horizontal movement by apair of inverted U-shaped brackets 84 depending from, and permanentlysecured beneath the frame of the vehicle body 10. The ends of the axle82 terminate in the usual steering knuckles 86 each carrying a pair ofsteering rotors 88 rotatably mounted thereon. Each rotor 88 comprises ahub 80 having extending tines 92 for positive engagement with thesurface and a pair of circular support rings or bands 94 spacedconcentrically about the hub 90 through which the tines 92 extend forsecuring the tines against displacement.

Disposed between the axle 82 and the frame of the vehicle body is acompression spring 96 urging the axle 82 downwardly away from thevehicle body 10 thereby maintaining the rotors 88 in positive engagementwith the surface. An air cylinder 98 pivotally secured to the body 10 atone end has its piston rod 102 afiixed to the axle 82 and its controlsmounted within the drivers compartment 12 of the vehicle body 10. Theair cylinder, Whose power source is described below, is adapted to raisethe axle under pressure thereby defeating compression spring 96 andraisin-g the rotors carried by the axle 82 out of engagement with thesurface. A conventional steering wheel 104, gear box 106 and tie rods108 are employed for the manual pivoting of the steering knuckles 86mounting the rotors 88.

A propelling unit designated generally as at 112 is positioned beneathand adjacent to the rear of the vehicle body 10. The propelling unit 112comprises a horizontal drive axle 114 having a conventional differential116 intermediate its length. The ends of the axle 114 are rotatablyjournaled to the rear portions of a pair of link arms 118, pivotallysecured on stub shaft 122 to wing pads 124 rigidly affixed to thevehicle body 10 by welding or the like. Air cylinders 126 carried by thearms 118 are adapted to operate conventional brake bands acting on theends of the axle 114 through piston rods 12 8 extending from thecylinders, Similar air cylinders 130 are positioned beneath the motorcompartment 16 and are adapted to direct the link arms 118 in arcuatelymoving the propelling unit 112 toward or away from the surface beingtraversed. Compression springs 132 between the link arms 118 and thepiston rods of cylinders 130 allow for limited movement of thepropelling unit 112 with respect to the vehicle body 10. Thus it will beseen that irregularities of the surface being traversed are compensatedfor by the spring bias when the propelling unit 112 is under downwardpressure by the cylinders 130. As best shown in FIGURES 4 and 5, thepropelling unit axle 114 carries a series of horizontally spaced rotors134 extending between the dilferential 116 and the link arms 118 oneither side. Each of the rotors 134 comprises a plurality of surfacepenetrating tines 136 aflixed to and extending radially from the axle114. Times 136 are staggered circumferentially about each succeedingrotor, and have circular supporting bands or rings 138 disposedconcentrically between the axle 114 and their free ends, therebysecuring them against displacement.

A gasoline engine 140 for powering the propelling unit 112 is locatedwithin the motor compartment 16 and has Within its depending drive shaft142 a magnetic clutch 144 controlled from the driving compartment 12 ofthe vehicle 10. A universal joint 146 is secured between the drive shaft142 and the power shaft 148 of the differential 116 to allow arcuatemovement of the propelling unit 112, during the rotation of engine driveshaft 142. Air compressor 152 is positioned adjacent to and driven bythe engine 140 through a V-belt drive 154 interconnecting the two. Aremote controlled air valve 156 connected to the compressor 152 is alsowithin the motor compartment and selectively distributes air pressurefrom the compressor 152 to the cylinders 98, 126 and 130 throughsuitable conduits (not shown). Controls indicated generally as at 158are provided in the driving compartment 4 for actuating the magneticclutch 144 and the air distributing valve 156.

As shown, the sled vehicle is without conventional wheels, which may beadded when desired.

Thus there is disclosed equipment providing for the advantages andobjects herein mentioned. Other objects and advantages, and evenmodifications of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art after reading this disclosure. However, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is intended to be exemplary only, thescope of the invention being defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A self-powered sled comprising:

a vehicle body,

surface supporting means disposed beneath said body for supporting andsliding said body with respect to said surface,

said supporting means being separable transversely intermediate theirrespective ends,

a bridging structure secured to said supporting means and having aplurality of quickly detachable toggle joints interlocking saidstructure with said vehicle body,

propelling means pivotally secured to said vehicle body,

and

means for rotating said propelling means.

2. A self-powered sled comprising:

a vehicle body,

surface supporting means disposed beneath said body,

an adjustable bridging structure detachably interlocking said surfacesupporting means with said vehicle body,

tensioning means disposed within said bridging structure for adjustablymaintaining longitudinal alignment of said surface supporting means,

propelling means pivotally affxed upon said vehicle body, and

means for rotating said propelling means.

3. A self-powered sled comprising:

a vehicle body,

surface supporting means disposed beneath said body,

an adjustable bridging structure interlocking said supporting means andsaid vehicle body for adjustably maintaining longitudinal alignment ofsaid surface supporting means,

a propelling means comprising a plurality of spaced rotors pivotallymounted on said vehicle body, and

means for rotating said propelling means.

4. A self-powered sled comprising:

a vehicle body,

surface supporting means disposed beneath said body,

a bridging structure detachably interlocking said surface supportingmeans with said vehicle body,

propelling means pivotally mounted on said body comprising an axlehaving extending radially from it a plurality of radially spacedrod-like tines supported intermediate thin length and staggeredcircumferentially about said propelling means, and

means for rotating said propelling means.

5. A self-powered sled comprising:

a vehicle body,

surface supporting means disposed beneath said body for supporting andsliding said body with respect to said surface,

said supporting means being separable transversely intermediate theirrespective ends,

an adjustable bridging structure detachably interlocking said surfacesupporting means with said body,

tensioning wires disposed within said bridging structure for adjustablymaintaining longitudinal alignment of said surface supporting means,

propelling means pivotally mounted on said vehicle body, and

means for rotating said propelling means.

6. A self-powered sled comprising: a vehicle body, surface supportingmeans disposed beneath said body, an adjustable bridging structuredetachably interlocking said surface supporting means with said body,tensioning Wires disposed within said bridging structure for adjustablymaintaining longitudinal alignment of said surface supporting means,

propelling means comprising a plurality of spaced to tors pivotallymounted on said vehicle body, and

means for rotating said propelling means.

7. A self-powered sled comprising:

a vehicle body,

surface supporting means disposed beneath said body,

an adjustable bridging structure interlocking said supporting means andsaid vehicle body for adjustably maintaining longitudinal alignment ofsaid surface supporting means,

a propelling means including a plurality of spaced rotors pivotallymounted on said vehicle body,

a plurality of radially spaced tines staggered circumferentially abouteach succeeding rotor, and

means for rotating said propelling means.

8. A self-powered sled comprising in combination:

a vehicle body wherein jointed surface supporting means disposed beneathsaid body,

said surface supporting means separable intermediate their respectiveends,

an adjustable bridging structure securing said surface supporting meansto said body,

rotary steering means resiliently supported upon said body,

controls within said body for actuating said steering means,

a rotary propelling device pivotally affixed to said body,

controls within said body for controlling said propelling device,

a braking device carried by said propelling means and controls disposedwithin said body actuating said braking device, and

a motor rotating said propelling means disposed within said body andremote controls for controlling said motor wherein said vehicle bodyincludes a driving compartment, a

storage area, and a motor compartment,

said jointed surface supporting means comprising runners being disposedin juxtaposition beneath and full length of said body,

said runners being transversely separable intermediate their respectiveends,

each half of said runners terminating in an upwardly curved portion atthe outer end thereof, and

a beveled edge at the inner end with the beveled edges of each runnermating with one another in longitudinal alignment,

said bridging means comprises spaced vertical uprights removably affixedto said runners,

said uprights providing interlocking means at their upper ends forremovably securing said bridging structure to said vehicle body, and

adjustable tensioning rods disposed between said runner tips and thenext adjacent upright additional tensioning rods extending between theupper and lower ends of each successive upright thereafter.

9. A self-propelled sled as recited in claim 8 wherein said steeringmeans includes a steering axle secured beneath said body and terminatingin a steering knuckle at each end thereof,

a plurality of rotors mounted upon each of said knuckles, and

tines extending radially from each rotor,

said sled further including a compression spring positioned between saidaxle and said body normally maintaining constant pressure between saidtines and said surface, and

an air piston interposed between said body and said axle for raisingsaid axle against the bias of said spring and controls mounted withinsaid body for actuating said piston.

10. A self-propelled sled as recited in claim 8 wherein said propellingmeans comprises an axle,

a differential centrally disposed therein,

control arms pivotally secured between said body and the ends of saidaxle transmitting arcuate movement to said axle,

a plurality of rotors secured to said axle in spaced relation betweensaid arms and said differential,

surface penetrating tines extending radially from said rotors,

said tines being progressively staggered circumferentially from oneanother about each succeeding rotor, and

rings disposed between said axle and the ends of said tines.

11. A self-powered sled comprising in. combination:

a vehicle body,

jointed surface supporting means disposed beneath said body,

said surface supporting means separable intermediate their respectiveends,

an adjustable bridging structure securing said surface supporting meansto said body,

rotary steering means resiliently supported upon said body,

controls within said body for actuating said steering means,

a rotary propelling device pivotally affixed to said body,

controls within said body for controlling said propelling device,

a braking device carried by said propelling means and controls disposedwithin said body actuating said braking device, and

a motor rotating said propelling means disposed within said body andremote controls for controlling said motor, wherein said vehicle bodyincludes a driving compartment, a

storage area, and a motor compartment,

said jointed surface supporting means comprising runners being disposedin juxtaposition beneath and full length of said body,

said runners being transversely separable intermediate their respectiveends,

each half of said runners terminating in an upwardly curved portion atthe outer end thereof, and

a beveled edge at the inner end with the beveled edges of each runnermating with one another in longitudinal alignment,

said propelling means comprises an axle,

a differential centrally disposed therein,

control arms pivotally secured between said body and the ends of saidaxle transmitting arcuate movement to said axle,

a plurality of rotors secured to said axle in spaced relation betweensaid arms and said differential,

surface penetrating tines extending radially from said rotors,

said tines being progressively staggered circumferentially from oneanother about each succeeding rotor, and

rings disposed between said axle and the ends of said tines.

12. A self-powered sled comprising in combination:

a vehicle body,

jointed surface supporting means disposed beneath said body,

said surface supporting means separable intermediate their respectiveends,

supporting means to said body,

. rotary steering means resiliently supported upon said body,

controls within said body for actuating said steering means,

a rotary propelling device pivotally affixed to said body,

controls within said body for controlling said propelling device,

a braking device carried by said propelling means and controls disposedwithin said body actuating said braking device, and

a motor rotating said propelling means disposed within said body andremote controls for controlling said motor, wherein said braking deviceincludes an air brake carried by and acting on said propelling means,

an air piston carried by said propelling means,

a piston rod disposed between said cylinder and said 1 air brake foractuation thereof,

an air compressor disposed within said motor compartment energizing saidcylinder,

a valve disposed between said compressor and said piston for directingsaid air, and

remote control within said drivers compartment for actuating said valve.

13. A self-powered sled comprising in combination:

a vehicle body,

jointed surface supporting means disposed beneath said body,

said surface supporting means separable intermediate their respectiveends,

an adjustable bridging structure securing said surface supporting meansto said body, 7

rotary steering means resiliently supported upon said body,

controls within said body for actuating said steering means,

a rotary propelling device pivotally aflixed to said body,

controls within said body for controlling said propelling device,

a braking device carried by said propelling means and controls disposedwithin said body actuating said braking device, and

a motor rotating said propelling means disposed within said body andremote controls for controlling said motor, wherein,

said steering means includes a steering axle secured beneath said body,

said axle terminating in a steering knuckle at each end thereof,

a plurality of rotors mounted upon each of said knuckles, and

tines extending radially from each rotor,

said sled further including a compression spring positioned between saidaxle and said body normally maintaining constant pressure between saidtines and said surface, and

an air piston interposed between said body and said axle for raisingsaid axle against-the bias of said spring and controls mounted withinsaid body for actuating said piston.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 970,008 9/1910Arnet 6 1,391,506 9/1921 Riley 1806 1,637,533 8/1927 Pearson 18061,649,873 11/1927 Sylvester 1806 1,937,923 12/1933 Taylor 1806 2,770,46511/1956 Dandurand 28012 2,793,704 5/1957 Faszczuk 1806 FOREIGN PATENTS418,210 9/1910 France.

54,441 10/1934 Norway.

LEO FRIAGLIA, Primary Examiner.

1. A SELF-POWERED SLED COMPRISING: A VEHICLE BODY, SURFACE SUPPORTINGMEANS DISPOSED BENEATH SAID BODY FOR SUPPORTING AND SLIDING SAID BODYWITH RESPECT TO SAID SURFACE, SAID SUPPORTING MEANS BEING SEPARABLETRANSVERSELY INTERMEDIATED THEIR RESPECTIVE ENDS, A BRIDGING STRUCTURESECURED TO SAID SUPPORTING MEANS AND HAVING A PLURALITY OF QUICKLYDETACHABLE TOGGLE JOINTS INTERLOCKING SAID STRUCTURE WITH SAID VEHICLEBODY, PROPELLING MEANS PIVOTALLY SECURED TO SAID VEHICLE BODY, AND MEANSFOR ROTATING SAID PROPELLING MEANS.